This year sees the celebration of the bicentenary of Charles Darwin’s birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of his most famous book “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection”. Darwin revolutionised our understanding of nature and evolution and has become a household name: his life fascinates thousands of people who study his works or visit places associated with his life.

A large number of celebrations are taking place this year to celebrate Darwin’s life and work (see Darwin200 programme of events). Many of these are centred on Darwin’s home at Down House which houses a new English Heritage exhibition on his life and work (Down House. The home of Charles Darwin). As part of these celebrations a recent project has been undertaken to create and enhance the PastScape records of those sites and monuments which are connected with Charles Darwin. These range from those associated with his childhood in Shrewsbury to his university studies and his life at Down House.